Cassiano Kiala is regarded as FC Bayern’s biggest defensive talent. A star consultant and Premier League clubs have long had their eye on the youngster and are increasing the pressure on the Munich club
While the attention around FC Bayern has recently focused almost exclusively on attacking shooting star Lennart Karl, a talent is growing up in the background who is at least as highly regarded internally. Cassiano Kiala is regarded as the record champions‘ greatest defensive jewel – and is increasingly coming under international scrutiny
Kiala impresses with his skills for modern top-class soccer
The centre-back, who is only 16 years old, has a profile that is in demand in modern top-flight soccer. Kiala is quick, extremely agile and strong in building up play. At 1.86 metres, he has the necessary physicality without losing any of his dynamism. Internally, he is even considered capable of playing as a full-back in the future – similar to Jérôme Boateng at the start of his career
Kiala has been an integral part of Vincent Kompany’s professional squad since the summer. Although he is yet to make his competitive debut, he has already been on the bench several times. He was also able to get his first minutes at international level against Tottenham during pre-season. Those responsible expect Kiala to move closer to the first eleven on a regular basis in the coming season at the latest
Star advisors and Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on the Bayern youngster
The fact that Kiala is not only highly regarded internally is shown by the growing interest from outside. Jorge Mendes, one of the world’s most influential player consultants, was personally present at Bayern’s Youth League match against Sporting Lisbon – a clear signal of how closely the market is following the talented defender
There have also been concrete advances from England. According to the British media, Kiala’s entourage have recently held talks with Manchester City and Chelsea FC. An immediate transfer is ruled out due to Brexit regulations, as English clubs are only allowed to sign foreign players from the age of 18. Nevertheless, the aim was apparently to establish contacts early on and sound out prospects for the future
Nevertheless, FC Bayern remains calm and confident that they will be able to tie Kiala down for the long term and are working on a contract extension in the near future
However, it is also clear that the Munich club must take action with Kiala now, having already lost top talents such as Angelo Stiller and Kenan Yildiz in the recent past.